🔗 Share this article Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as Pure Gossip Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extension option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions Following Recent Remarks Maresca's most recent statement come in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked considerable speculation of a possible rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that continues to create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during these media briefings has grown notably strained, raising concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League draw with good performances in their remaining games. The lingering question is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually affect a team that was just starting to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extension option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions Following Recent Remarks Maresca's most recent statement come in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked considerable speculation of a possible rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that continues to create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during these media briefings has grown notably strained, raising concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League draw with good performances in their remaining games. The lingering question is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually affect a team that was just starting to look cohesive.